Emiliano Buendia missed a late penalty as Aston Villa were stunned in a 2-1 loss to Go Ahead Eagles in the Europa League.
The defeat brings a run of five consecutive wins to an end for the Premier League side, who not only squandered their lead on the evening but also the chance to move to the top of the league-phase table.
Villa’s lead arrived within just four minutes when Evann Guessand scored his first goal for the club but Mathis Suray and Mats Deijl, taking advantage of the high line played by the visitors on both occasions, completed the comeback for the Eagles.
Unai Emery’s side had the perfect opportunity to pull themselves back into contention with just over 10 minutes to go in the fixture when Matty Cash’s cross struck the arm of Dean James inside the area, only for Buendia to send the spot-kick over the bar and into the stands.
Buendia’s miss – which was only the second penalty he had taken throughout his career – was the sixth time Villa have failed to convert from 12 yards out across the last 12 months and one of several botched chances on the evening
Guessand and Ollie Watkins were both denied by strong saves from Jari De Busser, leading to the bookmakers’ favourites to lift the trophy suffering defeat on the evening.
Villa’s Tyrone Mings battles with Mats Deijl
Emery: We need to be more clinical
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery:
“Today the responsibility was for Emiliano Buendia. And normally, he has good numbers shooting penalties, but he missed.
“Of course, something can happen, and we will try to get more clinical in the penalty shoot than the last penalties we have had.
“Our takers are clear. Buendia was today, (Jadon) Sancho, John McGinn, Morgan [Rogers] as well can shoot penalties.
“And, of course, Emiliano can repeat, but the idea is try to be so, so responsible about the decision and about the takers who can score.”
Buendia reacts to sending his spot-kick over the bar
‘Best moment at Go Ahead Eagles’
Go Ahead Eagles captain Mats Deijl:
“I’ve experienced some great victories in this stadium, but this is without a doubt the best moment I’ve shared with the team.
“Winning a European match against a Premier League side such as Aston Villa is special.
“When that penalty was awarded, we thought ‘This can’t happen to us, it can’t slip away now.’
“That moment made us even more determined, and we decided no ball is getting past us from here.”
